THE future of the Melville Primary School site is up for public comment after the City of Melville released a master concept plan titled ‘The Game of Life’ recently. In May this year, the city paid $5.5 million for the site, formerly owned by the Department of Education and Training, in response to the issue of shortfalls in public open space in the area. For similar reasons, it also bought the Carawatha Primary School site in Willagee for $5.19 million. Total projected cost for the Melville redevelopment is close to $2.9 million and a more detailed business plan will follow the public comment phase ending September 29. Suggestions for the public space include a farmyard-themed playground for toddlers, a water-themed park for school-aged children, a skate park, a plaza/ mall for markets and stalls, an amphitheatre and alfresco cafe. The council says it will aim to strike a balance between what the community wants, the future commercial viability of the site and the council’s budget capabilities. The council has received 650 submissions from residents, who ranked the provision of public space as more important than the price paid for the land or developing aged care housing.